This Eternally Grapefruit cocktail is so good! Empress Elderflower Rose Gin pairs perfectly with grapefruit and lemon juices, brown sugar, and vanilla to create a refreshingly balanced cocktail.

I partnered with Empress 1908 Gin to mix up the Eternally Grapefruit recipe! Recipe and ideas are my own.

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Eternally Grapefruit (Empress Elderflower Rose Gin Grapefruit Cocktail)

I usually think about floral flavors more in the warmer months but I love the warmth that vanilla bean and brown sugar add to this recipe, making it work for cozy season as well. Empress Elderflower Rose Gin adds beautiful floral notes that complement the grapefruit perfectly. As the days get shorter, we’re also sipping on the Orchard Empress & Tonic, Blustery Blood Orange Toddy, and Empress Cranberry Sparkler.

While I recommend freshly squeezed grapefruit, bottled grapefruit juice works in this drink too. If it has added sugar, you may want to start with less brown sugar syrup and add to taste. The brown sugar syrup takes a few minutes to prep, so plan in advance!

Empress elderflower rose gin cocktail with a brown sugar, dried rose, and grapefruit zest rim. Two dried rose buds and a fresh grapefruit slice garnish the cocktail. A bottle of brown sugar syrup is in the background on the table.

Recipe Ingredients

  • Empress Gin 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin: This recipe would also work beautifully with Empress Indigo Gin.
  • Grapefruit juice: Freshly squeezed or store bought works.
  • Lemon juice: You’ll need fresh squeezed, so pick juicy ripe ones.
  • Brown sugar syrup: Recipe below!
  • Vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract: I prefer vanilla bean paste because it has a richer, more intense vanilla flavor.
  • Club soda: Opt for your favorite club soda or sparkling water.
  • Brown sugar: For the rim and syrup.
  • Grapefruit zest: For the rim.
  • Dried rose: For the rim and garnish. Make sure they’re food-grade.
  • Grapefruit slice: For garnish.

Tools & Equipment List

Check out my favorite glasses here!

Empress elderflower rose gin cocktail with a brown sugar, dried rose, and grapefruit zest rim. Two dried rose buds garnish the cocktail, and a hand is placing a grapefruit slice in the cocktail as another garnish. A bottle of brown sugar syrup is in the background on the table.

How to Make It

For the Brown Sugar Syrup

  • Combine one part brown sugar (I used C&H Light Brown Sugar) with 1 part boiling water and stir until dissolved.
  • Cool before using.
  • I store it in the fridge in these cute syrup bottles. 

For the Cocktail

  • Start by combining brown sugar, grapefruit zest and dried rose on a shallow dish. Moisten the rim of a cocktail glass and submerge in the sugar mixture until coated.
  • Next, add grapefruit juice, lemon juice, brown sugar syrup and vanilla bean paste to the glass. Stir to combine. 
  • Fill glass with ice. Slowly pour Empress Elderflower Rose Gin in the glass. Top with club soda. 
  • Garnish with a grapefruit slice and dried rosebuds. Stir before enjoying.

Watch How To Make This Recipe

@thesocialsipper

Eternally Grapefruit for this cocktail This cocktail is so good! @Empress 1908 Gin Elderflower Rose Gin pairs perfectly with grapefruit and lemon juices, brown sugar, and vanilla to create a refreshingly balanced cocktail.  Eternally Grapefruit (makes 1) ◻️ 1 1/2 oz Empress Elderflower Rose Gin ◻️ 1 oz grapefruit juice ◻️ 1/2 oz lemon juice ◻️ 1/2 oz brown sugar syrup ◻️ Dash vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract ◻️  1-2 oz club soda ◻️  Brown sugar, for rim ◻️  Grapefruit zest, for rim ◻️  Dried rose, for rim and garnish ◻️  Grapefruit slice, for garnish 1. Combine brown sugar, grapefruit zest and dried rose on a shallow dish. Moisten the rim of a cocktail glass and submerge in the sugar mixture until coated. 2. Add grapefruit juice, lemon juice, brown sugar syrup and vanilla bean paste to the glass. Stir to combine.  3. Fill glass with ice. Slowly pour Empress Elderflower Rose Gin in the glass. Top with club soda.  4. If desired, garnish with grapefruit and dried rosebuds. Stir before enjoying. #empressgin #sipresponsibly #cocktailrecipes #craftcocktail #craftcocktails #drinkstagram #drinkup #ginlovers #ginstagram

♬ original sound – The Social Sipper

Sipping Tips & FAQs

Where do I find dried rosebuds?

Online or specialty tea shops will have dried rose buds, just make sure they’re food-grade so they’re safe for consumption!

Can I use other citrus in this recipe?

Yes, you can try it with blood orange juice or navel orange juice. Keep in mind it will have a different level of acidity so you may need to adjust the brown sugar syrup to balance the flavors.


Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?

I recommend making this cocktail fresh for the best flavor, but you can prep the brown sugar syrup and rim the glasses ahead of time.

More Empress Gin Recipes to Enjoy

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Empress elderflower rose gin cocktail with a brown sugar, dried rose, and grapefruit zest rim. Rose buds and a fresh grapefruit slice garnish the cocktail. A bottle of brown sugar syrup is in the background on the table.
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Eternally Grapefruit (Empress Elderflower Rose Gin Grapefruit Cocktail)

Prep: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
The Eternally Grapefruit cocktail is crafted with Elderflower Rose Gin, grapefruit and lemon juices, brown sugar, and vanilla to create a refreshingly balanced cocktail!
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Ingredients
 

For the Brown Sugar Syrup

  • 1 part light brown sugar
  • 1 part water

For the Cocktail

  • 1 1/2 oz Empress Elderflower Rose Gin
  • 1 oz grapefruit juice
  • 1/2 oz lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz brown sugar syrup
  • Dash vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
  • 1-2 oz club soda
  • Brown sugar, for rim
  • Grapefruit zest, for rim
  • Dried rose, for rim and garnish
  • Grapefruit slice, for garnish

Equipment

Instructions
 

For the Brown Sugar Syrup

  • Combine 1 part brown sugar with 1 part boiling water and stir until dissolved. Cool before using.

For the Cocktail

  • Combine brown sugar, grapefruit zest and dried rose on a shallow dish. Moisten the rim of a cocktail glass and submerge in the sugar mixture until coated.
  • Add grapefruit juice, lemon juice, brown sugar syrup and vanilla bean paste to the glass. Stir to combine.
  • Fill glass with ice. Slowly pour Empress Elderflower Rose Gin in the glass. Top with club soda.
  • If desired, garnish with grapefruit and dried rosebuds. Stir before enjoying.
Did you Make this Recipe?Let me know what you think in the comments below, or tag @thesocialsipper on Instagram!